![\"2008](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2008-Porsche-RS-Spyder-graphite-DSC02092-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe chief displays included seventy noteworthy race cars revealed in the massive Porsche Heritage Tent. Champions Garage was located in Auto Alley displaying 11 more triumphant Porsche race cars. In the large parking area beyond Barbecue Island near Turns 2 and 5 lied the bulk of the Porsche Club of America corrals, reputed to have over 1,300 cars.<\/p>\n
Adjacent was the Michelin and Mothers exhibits of still more exotic Porsches. The paddocks included a veritable menagerie of Porsches that also raced in the wheel to wheel competition on the track.<\/p>\n
Beginning of a Legacy<\/h2>\n
\u201cNo. 1\u201d was the very first Porsche<\/i> that Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche created. It received its \u201cstreet certification\u201d on June 8, 1948.<\/p>\n Porsche\u2019s 70th birthday was a fitting time to review their progress on Mission E<\/b>.<\/p>\n This project helps elucidate how far Porsche has come from the 356 \u201cNo. 1\u201d, to the 911, to Porsche’s first fully electric car on display at Rennsport VI in the Exclusive Manufaktur area showing really stunning styling and wheels.<\/p>\n Porsche stated, \u201cMission E represents the future. A possible future. A fascinating future.\u201d Porsche held that this is the form their first completely electric sports car could<\/i> take<\/i>. Importantly, the concept-car would meet all Porsche standards for fuel efficiency, daily-drive practicality, and performance entirely based on groundbreaking technology.<\/p>\n They called it \u201cthe 911 of e-cars.\u201d Porsche proclaimed their mission statement: \u201cOur core area of expertise lies in complex, efficient, and high-performance powertrains.\u201d The car\u2019s driving range is 300 miles, and a 15-minute charge gives another 250 miles. \u201cTurbo-charging\u201d Porsche says!<\/p>\n Klaus Zellmer, Porsche President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. said the vision of Mission E recently received the name Taycan. He added, \u201cNext year the vision becomes reality.\u201d<\/p>\n Also at Rennsport VI, Porsche unveiled a new 700 hp race car with the body based upon its renowned 935\/78, \u201cMoby Dick\u201d.<\/p>\n Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser said, \u201cThis spectacular car is a birthday present from Porsche Motorsport to fans all over the world.\u201d The car will have a limited produced run of 77 units.<\/p>\n Porsche-Nation fans came and revered the iconic make during the four days appropriately themed, \u201cMarque of Champions\u201d. Why does Porsche have such a large and faithful clan of devotees? There are several reasons.<\/p>\n First, it is because Porsche stands for excellence and innovation in automotive engineering. Another reason is due to the uniqueness in the way Porsche does things. Porsche\u2019s following also derives from its many achievements, which represent milestones of greatness.<\/p>\n Finally, the performance of Porsche automobiles and race cars are unequaled in many cases, which is the ultimate recognition.<\/p>\n Porsche excellence and innovation in automotive engineering is universally renowned. Brilliance in design and production is a given. Quality and performance are taken for granted in Porsche road and track cars.<\/p>\n Reliability is a byword for Porsche production, as exemplified in their victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an endurance<\/i> race. A first-drive in a Porsche indicates quality. Importantly, owning a Porsche delivers reliability.<\/p>\n Porsche seems to have unique views in their approach to automotive design. Their engineers practice the mantra \u201cform follow function\u201d<\/b>, and performance derives from function.<\/p>\n Examples of uniqueness at Porsche, or at the very least adhering to \u201cthe path less followed\u201d are their opposed-cylinder engines, long-time use of air-cooling for engines, rear, and mid-engine positioning, and retaining the same basic style for the 911 model for 55 years.<\/i><\/p>\n Porsche\u2019s achievements are too numerous to be mentioned. But some of the cars that I will describe will elucidate a few of Porsche\u2019s accomplishments.<\/p>\n To experience Porsche performance, all one must do is to drive the 911 model. The overall feeling is of lightness, agility, and well tied together. The much-used phrase, \u201cYou are one with\u201d the car actually applies here.<\/p>\n The brakes are unequivocally superb, and grand touring on roads with long curves is a dream. The engine revs high, sounds silky-smooth, and performs professionally and faithfully.<\/p>\n As I entered the large square with the interview stage complete with giant screen, autograph tables, the Porsche store, picnic tables, and much, much more, I first stopped to admire two 911\u2019s strategically placed at the main entrance in \u201cgolden yellow metallic\u201d paint.<\/p>\n Yes, the \u201ceternal 911\u201d<\/i> and its many variants, <\/i>the car that best exemplifies Porsche and its philosophy. These were two cars restored from 993 chassis to be auctioned off with proceeds to charity and representing Porsche\u2019s new 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series, limited to 500 units with prices starting in the $250,000 range.<\/p>\n While I wandered about exploring the astoundingly massive extravaganza called the Rennsport VI, I mused if there were an all-Porsche Hall of Fame, which street cars or race cars might be in it? In this writing, I will mention several Porsche street cars and Porsche race cars, past and present at the event that, I think, deserve special recognition. No secrets here, I believe we all know them.<\/p>\n Porsche race cars are a little greater challenge. There are so many<\/i> of them, and with 20,000 to 30,000 racing victories over the years, a little time is required to consider the candidates. If Porsche blesses us with a Rennsport VII, that may be a good opportunity.<\/p>\n In any case, the premier member of a Porsche Hall of Fame would be the \u201ceternal 911\u201d.<\/i> At 55 years of age and still going strong, it would blow completely off the charts in terms of kudos, accomplishments, and enthusiasts! Nothing more need be said.<\/p>\n Another lock for special recognition would be the 12-cylinder 917 juggernaut, along with the variants it parented. There were several 917s at Rennsport VI with most located in the Porsche Heritage tent, or in the Paddocks where I spotted American Patrick Long, a factory Porsche driver, mounting one.<\/p>\n The 917K, meaning Kurzheck (short-tail), won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and again in 1971. In 1972 the 917\/10 won the Can-Am Challenge. In 1973 the 917\/30, the most powerful racing sports car ever built at 1,580 bhp, also won the Can-Am Challenge. Known as the Can-Am killer because it won so often, Mark Donohue said the 917 was the only car he ever drove that could generate wheelspin at 200 mph!<\/p>\n Notably, Donohue turned in a blistering lap at Atlanta\u2019s Talladega race track in 1975 piloting a 917\/30 to a new world record of over 221 mph average<\/i> speed, yes average<\/i>! A 16-cylinder 917 version was made but never actually raced due to handling issues of the longer chassis. Perhaps thankfully, because what could have challenged it?<\/p>\n I think it\u2019s safe to say that the Porsche 919 hybrid race car deserves special recognition. This car has already won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times, in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Also, in 2018 the Evo version of the 919 became the fastest race car in history to circulate the N\u00fcrburgring in N\u00fcrburg, Germany, smashing the previous record, set 35 years ago by a Porsche 956, by over 51 seconds.<\/p>\n At the Rennsport VI, I watched Earl Bamber pilot the 2018 Porsche 919 Evo as it clocked 186 mph through the speed traps. What impressed me most was how effortlessly it negotiated the Andretti Hairpin and Turn 5. The EVO was as smooth as silk – no smoking, flat-spotted tires, no broadsided curves.<\/p>\n Exiting the curves, it was almost shot out of a gun and back to speed in no time. I say \u201calmost\u201d because the car was absolutely glued to the track without any jerkiness. It appeared to be locked onto a rail, gobbling up the track with robot precision with ever-increasing speed until the next curve arrived.<\/p>\n This car is a real piece of work! Back in Champions Garage, see my photo below where a hoard of mechanics swarmed the car attending to every potential need.<\/p>\n I requested of Vanthoor \u201cWhat does the aerodynamic downforce feel like when you are racing\u201d? He replied, \u201cYou have to actually experience it to understand it\u201d.<\/p>\n Not much chance in my driving his factory RSR soon, so I asked: \u201cHow much G-force do you experience in cornering and braking?\u201d Vanthoor responded, \u201cThree to four Gs in the 911 RSR.\u201d That would definitely result in a sore neck.<\/p>\n Sufficient downforce is generated on some race cars such that if they could be placed on the roof of a tunnel at speed, they would remain stuck there. That intrigued me greatly, so I asked Bamber the same questions. He replied, \u201cDownforce makes you feel like the car is really glued to the track. Due to large downforce, in cornering and braking, you experience about four to five Gs in the 919.\u201d<\/p>\n We talked about driving at a race car\u2019s limits, and both explained that is where driver experience enters. My only hope is for someone to give me a seat in historic races someday. I thanked my hosts and moved on.<\/p>\n Next, I found Porsche\u2019s latest hypercar, the Porsche 918 hybrid, in a dozen-sized-group on Barbecue Island near Turns 2, 3, 4, and 5. I believe this car also deserves special recognition on an all-time list. Its merits are too great not to be left in awe.<\/p>\n To start, this astonishingly complex car possesses absolutely stunning, creative styling, remembering that at Porsche form follows function. The 918\u2019s engineering is also state of the art, and frankly, beyond.<\/p>\n Innovative features abound, like the exhaust pipes exiting high on the car and not below the engine, allowing extension of the rear diffuser resulting in improved aerodynamics. The high exhaust pipe design also assists the lithium batteries to remain within their operating temperature range.<\/p>\n One might say, \u201cThe car should offer something at $998,000.\u201d But the aftermarket voted quickly and the 918 appreciated to $1,700,000, nearly doubling!<\/p>\n The 918 was first introduced as a concept car in 2010 at the 80th Geneva Motor Show along with the 911 GT3 R hybrid race car, while the racing version, the 918 RSR, followed the next year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The street production model was finally introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013 and produced through 2015.<\/p>\n The 918 Spyder is powered by a mid-engine, naturally aspirated, 4.6-liter V8 through a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox driving the rear wheels. The V8 yields 600 bhp at 8,500 RPM, but that\u2019s not all. Two electric motors provide an added 286 bhp to the front wheels. The combined total of gasoline and electric yields 875 bhp and 944 ft-lb of torque! Weight lies between 3,600 and 3,800 lbs.<\/p>\n A flexible and very practical feature is that the battery can be refreshed either by a plug-in or regeneratively while driving and braking similar to the KERS system used in Formula One racing. KERS stands for \u201ckinetic energy recovery system\u201d. A flywheel accumulator rotating near 40,000 RPM located in the passenger compartment stores the energy. The car\u2019s 6.8 kwh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery alone gives a 12 mi (19 km) driving range.<\/p>\n Internally at Porsche called \u201crace lab, the 918\u2019s performance numbers deliver a knockout:<\/p>\n In September 2013 a 918 fitted with the optional ‘Weissach Package’ which reduces weight nearly 100 lb recorded a record lap time of 6:57 min on the 20.7 km (12.8 mi) N\u00fcrburgring uncombined course. The 918 truly exemplifies engineering brilliance!<\/p>\n The Carrera GT (2003-2007) should definitely receive special recognition for Porsche\u2019s all-time greatest. This mid-engined sports car preceded the 918 and is high on, or at the top, of many lists for best petrol-powered sports cars, some for all time.<\/p>\n The GT project was a sporadic one, occurring in starts and stops over a long period of time. In the beginning, a Porsche engine was built for a Formula One effort in 1992. That task was canceled, then revived for a Le Mans project. However, concern about conflicting with Audi’s Le Mans plans caused termination of this project too. Eventually in 2000, a decision was taken to build 1,500 cars.<\/p>\n The Carrera GT two-door roadster is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V10 engine employing 4 valves per cylinder which produces 603 bhp, 435 lb\u22c5ft of torque at 5,750 rpm, with red-line at 8,400. The lack of turbochargers might appeal more to those with purist tendencies, but the car performs quite well without them. Adhering to the simpler path generally offers reliability and weight savings.<\/p>\n The car will do 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.8 seconds, and achieves a maximum speed of 205 mph. The curb weight of this rear-mid-engine V10, rear-wheel-drive car is 3,040 lb. Its predecessor is the Porsche 959, and the successor the Porsche 918 Spyder.<\/p>\n The Carrera GT\u2019s rear wing is electronically operated, deploying at speeds over 70 mph. The sizeable side inlets and air dams add cooling to the engine. Weight is reduced by a carbon fiber monocoque and chassis. Porsche brakes are usually superior and the GT\u2019s are no exception sporting a carbon fiber-reinforced silicon-carbide ceramic-composite braking system.<\/p>\n Face to face, the GT appears very low and wide, and somehow you just know it will perform. The V10 engine does not sound large but presents a rather beguiling note. Yes, the Carrera GT is one for the ages!<\/p>\n The Porsche 959 sports car (1986-1993) should also receive special recognition among Porsche\u2019s best. However, the car\u2019s intended use as a race machine was brief and had issues finishing races.<\/p>\n The 959 was initially envisioned as a Group B rally car. Later it was produced for road use but did not comply with US street requirements until billionaire Bill Gates assisted in getting the “Show or Display” law passed.<\/p>\n The 959 is rarely seen as only 345 were ever produced. When one does appear, it is almost certainly alone. As I perused the paddocks I was astonished to come upon nearly a dozen under one of the large tents. A little later this rare grouping formed a line and entered on track in the exhibition.<\/p>\n The technological achievement in creating the 959 in the 1980s was noteworthy. The twin-turbo vehicle was then considered the most technically advanced sports car ever made. It was the world\u2019s fastest street car clocking 197 mph.<\/p>\n The 3,200 lb 959 was powered by a 2.8-liter twin-turbo flat-6 generating 444 bhp and 369 ft-lb of torque applied through a 6-speed manual gearbox. One of the earliest high-performance cars offering all-wheel drive, the car also automatically adjusted its ride-height.<\/p>\n Text – 1979 Porsche 936<\/p>\n There were 70 Porsche race cars under the Porsche Heritage tent, and the 936 was the first to catch my attention. It looked racy with stylistic, gracefully flowing lines, remembering that at Porsche \u201cform follows function\u201d when it comes to styling.<\/p>\n The Porsche 936 (1976-1981) was developed to compete in the World Sportscar Championship Group 6 category in 1976 by Porsche as a successor to the 917 and 908.<\/p>\n The power in this 1,587 lb race car was provided by a 2.1-liter opposed-six-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine generating 540 hp at 8,000 RPM, transmitted through a five-speed gearbox.<\/p>\n The Porsche factory entered the 936 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Jacky Ickx piloting to wins in 1976, 1977, and 1981.<\/p>\n Nearby I spotted a Porsche 935 (1976\u20131981), a 911-based race car introduced in 1976 as the factory entry for the FIA\u2019s new Group 5 rules. It derived from the Carrera RSR 2.1 turbo prototype. Group 5 rules allowed liberal alterations to production-based cars.<\/p>\n Power was supplied to the 2,138 lb 935 by a twin-turbo flat-six of 2.9 to 3.3-liter employing mechanical fuel injection producing from 540 to 845 hp through a 4-speed manual gearbox.<\/p>\n Few were able to challenge the 935 in major endurance races, and the car eventually won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, overall. The 935\u2019s domination ended in 1982 with FIA rule changes.<\/p>\n A 1984 Porsche 962 (1984-1991) was also under Porsche Heritage Tent. This sports-prototype racing car was made (91 units) to replace the 956 in order to meet IMSA’s GTP regulations. The 1,874 lb car was powered by a 3.0 to 3.2 liter bi-turbo flat-6 engine through a 5-speed transmission generating 760 hp at 8,200 RPM, pushing the car to 220 mph.<\/p>\n Famed Hurley Haywood (Porsche \u201cambassador) and Derek Bell (24 Hours of Le Mans winner four times in Porsches) were among the pilots. The 962 achieved an overall win at the 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans. In its initial years, the 962 was one of the most successful cars in racing. The car was succeeded by the WSC-95.<\/p>\n Sincere compliments should always be given. This was an enriching Rennsport VI, and honestly, I am already anticipating the next. Surely most Porsche fans are too. Porsche, please bless us with another Rennsport soon!<\/p>\n<\/a>On Sunday morning, a replica of the car that began the celebrated Porsche legacy, Porsche\u2019s 356 \u201cNo. 1\u201d Roadster, was positioned in front of Champions Garage in a bright metallic silver paint.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nOn a Mission for the Future<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nThere She Blows<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nRoundup at Porsche Corrals<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nThe Eternal 911<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nPorsche 917\u2019s Blaze the Track<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/p>\nEarl Bamber and the 919 Evo<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
\nI was always curious about how massive downforce felt to the driver of a race car. So, I made a point of catching Porsche factory drivers Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor just as they sat down at the autograph tables before lines formed. Bamber has overall victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015 and 2017 in Porsche\u2019s 919 hybrid, and Vanthoor races a Porsche 911 RSR.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nHype for the 918<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n
All-Time Greatest in the Carrera GT<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nThe 959, a Rare Sighting<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nPorsche Heritage Tent<\/h2>\n
The 936<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nThe 935<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nDerek Bell Pilots the 962<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nIn Closing Tribute<\/h2>\n
Porsche Rennsport Reunion VI Image Gallery<\/h2>\n
\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>